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MTV's 'Dogg After Dark' puts Snoop's paw prints on the variety genre

February 23, 2009 | 5:24
pm

No surprise here, but Snoop Dogg is not a big worrier. Tucked into a
banquette at a Hollywood nightclub last week, the rapper seemed
entirely at ease about the prospects of his new MTV variety show, “Dogg After Dark.”

"The people that tune in will definitely be entertained," he said,
finishing off his second helping of chicken wings, fuel for what would
likely be five or six straight hours of taping. "Those that don't,
they'll catch up sooner or later."

Fo'shizzle, the great man might also have added in his trademark Snoop-speak.

Good thing he's brimming with confidence, because he may need it. With
the variety format, the fearless Snoop has taken on a style that has
shredded many another star. That would include Rosie O'Donnell, whose
critically drubbed disaster "Rosie Live" on NBC last Thanksgiving eve is now the stuff of TV turkey legend.

The 37-year-old Snoop, who was a childhood fan of variety shows
starring Flip Wilson and Richard Pryor, understands that the format has
been troubled of late. But he's pretty sure the right host can turn
things around. "The voice has to be likable, lovable, different and
cutting-edge," he said. "There's only one guy like that. Y'know what
I'm saying? Snoop Dogg."